With Christmas just around the corner, we’ve put together a gift guide full of practical presents!
These are just ideas if you happen to be gifting this season and we wanted to share a bit of inspiration – ‘it’s not about the gift, but the thought behind it that counts.’ Wishing you all a Happy Holidays!
Self Care Voucher
This is one a lot of people would probably buy as gifts for other people but never treat themselves, so you can have a hand in helping by buying that person a voucher to a self care spot. Whether it’s something like a nail voucher for a mani and pedi, a massage or a blow wave at a hair salon (utter luxury having someone else wash your hair!), it’ll be so appreciated!
Homemade Meals
Nourish the body, nourish the soul! Pre-prepared homemade meals would be the perfect gift for anyone that could be time poor (which in reality, could be many of us with busy jobs, parents, people who live alone etc!) – food made with love and full of nutrients, that can be frozen and grabbed out whenever needed! It could also be a way for you to share your fave recipe or meal with the people in your life.
Good Sleep
We don’t need to tell you how important getting good sleep is – you know this, we know this, the world knows this. While it’s not always possible due to a variety of reasons, setting your bed up with things that could help you get a good sleep, is the type of recipe we want to follow. A practical gift in this area could be anything they need – a fresh new set of sheets, a nice pillow that is supportive, a sleeping mask, comfortable & breathable PJs, the list goes on – you get the gist!
A Local Gift
Support small businesses this holiday season and grab something in your person’s lane – what’s their favourite TV show or movie, their current hobby etc. Head out to your local markets or a boutique shop down the road to see what treasures you can find! It’ll be extra special when you’ve got something designed and made here in Aotearoa.
Memories
Is there a picture of you and/or your siblings, family, friends that you love? Grab it off your phone or your camera these holidays and turn it into a photo gift! We don’t seem to print out as much photographs as we once did (times have changed, as has technology!) but I know in my family photo prints are always a cherished gift. Head to your local photo centre and find a nice photo frame (or album if you’ve got too many to choose from!).
Get set for 2026
The New Year is just around the corner, so why not get your giftee something that could help set them up to have an organised and/or mindful year ahead. A diary, calendar, planner, or maybe a ‘sentence a day’ book could help make 2026 a goodie. “You’re never too old to set another goal or to dream another dream”
Summer is calling!
Slip, slop, slap and wrap – Kiwi summertime is upon us! Grab your giftee an item to help them get ready for the sunny season – a nice beach towel (have you seen those ‘sand free’ ones – how does that even work?!), sunglasses, sunscreen products (vital!), a pair of jandals or slides, a cute hat or cooler bag for those hot days where you’re not quite wanting to commit to (or cart around) a full-on esky!
Stockings are stuffed!
Grab a stocking, fabric bag, tote plus whatever you think could tickle your giftee’s fancy – it could be a new book from an author or series they love (or one you’ve picked that you think they should check out), a collectible figurine or craft kit. Pair it with the classic chocolate coins and Santa-themed treats and you should be on track to a winning formula!
Acts of service
I feel like I remember homemade voucher books that I gave to my parents when I was much younger, with acts of service in them – whether this is you doing it for your giftee or paying a specialised company to do it for them (if you can’t), things like car wash/grooming, mowing the lawns, tidying up the garden, cleaning windows, organising the pantry etc, could take a weight off their plate and be a perfect practical gift!
Experiences
Enquire what type of things your giftee likes to do if they have time + the means to do so, and surprise them with a voucher/tickets to that or a similar experience! Whether it’s going to the movies, the Zoo, to a musical or concert, comedy show etc – a practical gift to show that you have listened to their interests + something they can do in real life – a win, win!